You’ve probably heard the term “direct-coupled” in descriptions of preamps or amps—especially ours at PS Audio, which are almost all directly coupled, input to output.
So what does “direct-coupled” actually mean?
It means the signal path doesn’t use capacitors or transformers to connect one stage to the next or inputs and outputs. No “DC blocking” parts before, between, or after gain stages. That’s important because every capacitor and transformer, no matter how well-made, introduces a phase shift at the bottom and top of the frequency range. It acts like a filter, even if it’s a good one.
That phase shift blurs timing cues, and when that happens in the low end, you lose punch. The bass might still be there, but it arrives a little smeared. A little late. Not quite in time with the rest of the music.
Direct-coupling avoids that entirely. It’s harder to design—you need precision biasing, DC servo circuits, and thermal stability—but the result is signal flow that’s faster, purer, and more cohesive. No phase shift in the bass, no slow-down in the transients. It just sounds more alive.
In the new PMG Signature Series, everything is direct coupled, input to output, and it makes a HUGE difference as compared to its ancestors.
It’s one of those technical choices that’s easy to overlook, but once you’ve heard it done right, you won’t want to go back.
